Alexis (given name)
Alexis is a given name of Greek origin. Like the name Alexander, Alexis derives from the Greek verb ἀλέξειν (aléxein; 'defend').
| Gender | Unisex (mostly female) |
|---|---|
| Language(s) | Greek |
| Origin | |
| Meaning | "helper, defender" |
| Other names | |
| See also | Alexius, Aleixo, Alexios, Alexey, Alexander, Alexandra, Alex, Lexi |
While the name is traditionally male, it has been predominantly given to females in the United States since at least the 1940s, when actress Alexis Smith began appearing in films. It has been among the top 50 most popular names for girls in the United States since 1990. In the 2008 book 5-Star Baby Name Advisor, author Bruce Lansky writes that the girls' name has the image of a "sexy and seductive knockout." The increase in popularity of the name is sometimes attributed to the notable character Alexis Colby from the American television series Dynasty. A 1978 film, Ice Castles, featured as the main character a blind figure skater named Alexis "Lexie" Winston.
Aleksi, a Finnish variant, was the third most popular name for boys born in Finland in 2007. Alessia, an Italian feminine variant, was the second most common name for girls born in Italy in 2006. Alesia, a feminine variant, and Aleksio, a masculine variant, are currently popular names for boys and girls in Albania.